One of the anomalies of the modern world is that one of its most important political events – leadership changes around the five yearly Communist Party congresses in China – hardly registers in the international mainstream media. However, we should be following what happens as closely, perhaps even more closely, as we do Washington, Paris or London politics.

The sudden and unceremonious dismissal of Chongqing’s party chief Sun Zhengcai, who was replaced by former Guizhou province party chief Chen Mine’er, is the latest illustration of the precarious political security of high-ranking members of the Chinese party-state.

There are many uncertainties about China’s upcoming 19th Party Congress. It is too early and risky to make any bold predictions (even the date of the Congress is not confirmed), but there is still interesting speculation about the potential rule changes in age and term limits, the impacts of Guo Wengui’s allegations against Wang Qishan, and the spectre of Xi Jinping serving a third term.

China’s leadership transition is formally complete with the conclusion of the 12th National People’s Congress. Providing analysis on China’s new leaders, Minxin Pei writes that while economic and political reforms remain far-off in China’s future, the new leadership can convince the public they are committed to reforms at the inaugural meeting of the new Central Committee in the fall.

Following the 57th Presidential Inauguration of United States, a renewed focus has been placed on President Barack Obama’s foreign policy due to changes in the cabinet and the US' strategic approach. Many believe China policy will play a higher role in Obama’s second term.

In an exclusive interview, Prof. Jiang Haishan explains the structure of the 18th Party Congress and the procedure of the election process. He also touches upon the challenges facing the new leadership under Xi Jinping.

In this interview, Dr. Huang Ping shares his opinion on the implications and significance of the leadership transition in China and in the United States.

The Communist Party of China has established a new set of leaders to rule the nation for the next decade. Now, more than any other time in history, China’s leadership will be shaped by the unique experiences faced by the seven new members of the Politburo Standing Committee during the Cultural Revolution.

With President Barack Obama’s re-election and Xi Jinping set to take power in China, Professor Minxin Pei urges both leaders to reassess bilateral relations and establish strategic trust.

As the U.S.-China relationship continues to grow, in size and complexity, what are the implications of this once-in-a-decade leadership transition, especially for bilateral interaction? Dr. Henry A. Kissinger is joined by former Ambassador to China J. Stapleton Roy, former Fellow Dr. Cheng Li, and China scholar Dr. David M. Lampton to discuss the possible implications for U.S.-China relations of this once-in-a-decade power transition.